When evaluating customer loyalty platforms for retail businesses, two prominent options are Rivo and BON Loyalty. Both integrate seamlessly with Shopify, offering features designed to enhance customer engagement and retention. However, they differ in functionality, pricing, ease of use, and suitability for various business needs.
Rivo vs BON Loyalty for Retail Businesses
Core Features and Functionality
Rivo: Rivo provides a comprehensive suite that includes loyalty points, referral programs, and membership options. It offers over seven pre-built checkout extensions and on-site components like passwordless login, aiming to create a frictionless customer journey. Additionally, Rivo boasts a Developer Toolkit, allowing for extensive customization and integration with over 100 pre-built apps, including Klaviyo, Gorgias, Skio, and Shopify Flow. (rivo.io)
BON Loyalty: BON Loyalty focuses on customer retention through points, VIP tiers, and referral programs. It offers a free plan supporting up to 250 monthly orders, with paid plans starting at $25 per month for up to 500 orders. Features include a loyalty page, multi-language support, POS rewards, free product rewards, and integrations with platforms like Klaviyo and Fera. (apps.shopify.com)
Pricing and Value
Rivo: Rivo's pricing starts at $499 per month for the Personalized Shopping plan, which includes features like shareable wishlists, Apple and Google Wallet passes, and passwordless login. The Custom Plan, tailored for Shopify Plus brands, offers a combination of Accounts, Loyalty, Referrals, and Memberships, with pricing upon request. (rivo.io)
BON Loyalty: BON Loyalty offers a free plan for up to 250 monthly orders. Paid plans include Basic at $25 per month for up to 500 orders, Growth at $99 per month for unlimited orders, and Professional at $349 per month, also for unlimited orders. The Professional plan includes additional features like a Software Development Toolkit and full API access. (apps.shopify.com)
Ease of Setup and Use
Rivo: Users appreciate Rivo's user-friendly interface and responsive customer support. However, some have reported challenges with initial setup, particularly regarding customization and integration with other platforms. For instance, a user mentioned difficulties with referral links not displaying correctly and issues with the loyalty landing page's design, which required custom CSS adjustments. (apps.shopify.com)
BON Loyalty: BON Loyalty is praised for its clean user interface and ease of setup. Merchants have highlighted the app's customization options and the quality of customer service. One user noted that the customer service was very helpful in guiding them through technical aspects, such as DNS records, to get the app working. (apps.shopify.com)
Integrations
Rivo: Rivo integrates with over 100 pre-built apps, including Klaviyo, Gorgias, Skio, and Shopify Flow, facilitating a cohesive tech stack for retailers. (rivo.io)
BON Loyalty: BON Loyalty integrates with platforms like Klaviyo, Fera, and Shopify POS, supporting a range of marketing and sales tools. (apps.shopify.com)
Customer Support and Documentation
Rivo: Rivo's customer support is highly rated, with users commending their prompt and helpful responses. However, some users have expressed concerns about the need for custom CSS for certain customizations and the availability of support for lower-tier plans. (apps.shopify.com)
BON Loyalty: BON Loyalty's customer service is also well-regarded, with users noting the team's friendliness and willingness to assist with technical issues. One user mentioned that the support team was very helpful in guiding them through technical aspects, such as DNS records, to get the app working. (apps.shopify.com)
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Rivo: Rivo is suited for larger retailers or those on Shopify Plus who require extensive customization and a wide range of features. Its higher pricing tiers reflect its comprehensive offerings and scalability.
BON Loyalty: BON Loyalty is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable and user-friendly loyalty program. Its free plan and lower-cost paid plans make it accessible for businesses with limited budgets.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Rivo | BON Loyalty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan for up to 200 orders/month; Paid plans start at $49/month | Free plan for up to 250 orders/month; Paid plans start at $25/month |
| Core Features | Loyalty points, referrals, memberships, customizable checkout, developer toolkit | Points, VIP tiers, referrals, loyalty page, multi-language support, POS rewards |
| Integrations | Over 100 apps including Klaviyo, Gorgias, Skio, Shopify Flow | Klaviyo, Fera, Shopify POS |
| Customer Support | Highly rated, responsive; some concerns about customization support | Well-regarded, friendly; praised for technical assistance |
| Ideal Customer Profile | Larger retailers or Shopify Plus merchants needing extensive customization | Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly loyalty program |
Which to Choose?
For Larger Retailers or Shopify Plus Merchants: If your business requires extensive customization, a wide range of features, and you have the budget to support a higher-priced plan, Rivo may be the better fit.
For Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: If you're looking for an affordable, user-friendly loyalty program with essential features and a supportive customer service team, BON Loyalty is a strong contender.
Worth a Look: Zigpoll
If you're evaluating options, Zigpoll is also worth a look. Zigpoll is a Shopify survey app offering post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.
